Comparing the effectiveness of Q-switched Ruby laser treatment with that of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for oculodermal melanosis (Nevus of Ota).

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Q-switched Ruby laser versus Q-switched neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for oculodermal melanosis (Nevus of Ota) birthmarks in a large group of patients.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A retrospective review was conducted of 94 patients with Nevus of Ota treated with a Q-switched Ruby laser and a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser over a 3-year period. The subjects' ages ranged from 3 to 64 years; there were 70 females and 24 males, all of whom were of Asian descent. The number of treatments ranged from 1 to 8. Duration of treatment ranged from 6 months to 3 years and 10 months, with a mean of 14 months. Patients (n=47) received Q-switched Ruby laser treatment (694 nm) using light dosages of 7-10 J cm(-2). Subsequent patients (n=47) received Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment (1064 nm) using light dosages of 7-10 J cm(-2). The primary efficacy measurement was the quantitative assessment of clearing and fading response using the DermaSpectrometer for the Q-switched Ruby laser group versus the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser group.

RESULTS:

Based on a paired t-test, clinical and statistically significant differences in clearing and fading response were observed amongst the Q-switched Ruby laser-treated subjects as preferred to the appearance of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser-treated group (P<0.05). In both groups, transient hyperpigmentation resolved in all subjects within 6 months. Permanent hyperpigmentation or scarring was not observed in either group.

CONCLUSION:

Use of a Q-switched Ruby laser resulted in better clearing and fading as compared with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.

• Authors: Cheng-Jen Chang, Ching-Song Kou
• Journal: Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS (J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg) Vol. 64 Issue 3 Pg. 339-45 (Mar 2011) ISSN: 1878-0539 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 20619756 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• yttrium-aluminum-garnet
• Neodymium
• Yttrium
• Aluminum

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aluminum
• Asian People
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Facial Neoplasms (radiotherapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Laser Therapy (instrumentation)
• Lasers
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neodymium
• Nevus of Ota (radiotherapy)
• Retrospective Studies
• Taiwan
• Treatment Outcome
• Yttrium